Running Diary: Eagles Practice Observations

11:30 – Let’s start with some videos. A couple weeks ago, we wrote about the mini doorway-type thing the Eagles running backs were using. Here’s a closer look:

Running backs coach Duce Staley is directing the drill. The players have to choose the opening away from the mock defender. Take a look at around the 33-second mark. You're telling me Duuuuuuuuuce couldn't pick up a 4th-and-1 this fall if necessary?

11:43 - And here are the offensive linemen:

I realize I'm far away, but you should be able to hear Eagles offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland in the background. The players are firing off to the second level during this drill.

One thing to note on offensive line calls. The Eagles use a number system to label the different calls. And on packaged plays, they don't need to know what the quarterback's options are (handoff, keeper, bubble screen, etc.). They block it up the same way regardless. In other ways, inside zone is inside zone to them. If Nick Foles throws a bubble screen, that's irrelevant to the linemen.

11:50 - Jeffrey Lurie is in the house with a friend to watch today's practice. Which got me thinking: If I owned an NFL team, I'm not sure I'd ever leave the facility. There are TVs all over the place. You get a world-class gym instead of the local YMCA. And the cafeteria seems to have unlimited cookies, ice cream and coffee. What more could a man need? I could really get used to the lifestyle. How much do you think Mr. Lurie would be asking for?

11:56 - Special teams time. It looks like Darren Sproles is up first on returns. He's the favorite to win that job. Others taking turns are Jeremy Maclin, Riley Cooper, Damaris Johnson and Jordan Matthews.

12:06 - We begin the offense vs. defense portion of practice. No depth chart changes as far as I can tell. Foles doesn't have a ball hit the ground during his reps. I debate in my head whether this is noteworthy or not. After all, it's only 7-on-7s in shorts. Shouldn't the quarterbacks be completing every pass?

12:07 - Mark Sanchez provides an answer, as he's picked off by new cornerback Nolan Carroll. Carroll has looked good in the practices open to the media; Sanchez has not.

Foles is back up. He completes a pass to Matthew Tucker, but then goes through the rest of his progressions even though the ball is not in his hands. I'm not sure if Chip Kelly would ever admit it, but Foles is a coach's dream. He'll never say anything remotely controversial, works hard and is a good teammate.

Come to think of it, the whole team seems pretty coachable. Where are the DeSeans and the Asantes of the world who would push the envelope from time to time? Someone better at least nurse a hamstring injury in August or I'm going to feel very uncomfortable.

12:15 - The second-team defensive line today is Joe Kruger and Vinny Curry at the end spots with Damion Square at nose tackle.

A couple months ago, I did not think I'd see this up close: A Sanchez/Henry Josey zone read play.

Meanwhile, the sun comes out, and several reporters scurry for cover. This is where it comes in handy being the Indian guy who doesn't burn easily. I'm looking for every advantage I can get.

12:27 - Remember growing up when you would have a teacher who just somehow managed to see everything? I think Stoutland is that guy on this coaching staff. He's got the offensive linemen split into five lines (three deep). He instructs them to take a "power step" and jam their foot in the ground.

Stoutland somehow manages to watch everyone at the same time, correcting Andrew Gardner and praising undrafted free agent Donald Hawkins.

If you're wondering about the second-team OL during this drill, here it is from left to right: Matt Tobin, Allen Barbre, Julian Vandervelde, Michael Bamiro and Dennis Kelly.

12:33 - Jason Kelce and Evan Mathis both have their helmets off. Mathis' hair is soaked throughout. Kelce's seems dry. How does this happen? Does Mathis sweat more? Did he pour water on his head? Is Kelce missing a specific gene?

Don't worry, we have all of training camp to get answers to these important questions.

12:35 - It's 7-on-7 time. Cary Williams has good coverage on Riley Cooper, along with safety help. Mr. Cooper, the safety is that guy who can sometimes come over to assist in covering you. I know you didn't see a lot of him last year, but that may change in 2014. Foles throws deep and incomplete. He later is intercepted by Curtis Marsh during this period.

In nickel, sometimes the Eagles go with three down linemen. When that's the case, the Predator (Trent Cole) puts his hand on the ground and the Jack (Connor Barwin) lines up in a variety of places. When they go with four down linemen, the Jack just sets up at left defensive end with his hand in the dirt.

12:40 - Lots of bathroom trips for the offensive linemen. What was in those smoothies today?

Meanwhile, Damaris Johnson mixes in a little with the ones. This is the ultimate "don't read anything into it at all" June practice note.

12:47 - The team practices red zone. Nate Allen makes a really nice play, breaking up a Foles pass intended for Brent Celek. Allen continues to get all the first-team reps at safety with the first team alongside Malcolm Jenkins. On the next play, though, Foles finds Celek for a touchdown.

Note that this portion of practice is taking place on the far side of the middle field. We're up in the bleachers, and the sight lines are not great. Geoff Mosher of CSN Philly breaks out the binoculars. That's a veteran move right there.

Sanchez finds Jordan Matthews for a TD, and they engage in the whole "jump in the air/bump butts" move on the sideline.

Meanwhile, DeMeco Ryans intercepts Foles in the end zone. I take that as a big: "Screw you Kapadia! Quit suggesting Billy Davis should replace me in some sub packages!"

1:02 - G.J. Kinne with the throw of the day - a perfectly placed ball down the sideline to James Casey, who beats linebacker Jake Knott.

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Addicted2MAmula

Finish watching the Eagles vs Bucs again 2012 season. I knew there was a reason why i had faith in Foles coming into last season. He got better and better each game. Him being a rookie, o-line was beat up, and the team giving up on AR he still had poise. As a die hard fan i’m happy we found our franchise QB quicker then we thought. Thanks Andy

anon

loved that game, that was the same game rgiii got injured vs. ravens. highs and lows of a season.

fran35

Also, remember him in training camp in 2012 as a rookie? He was the buzz of training camp.
So, to further convince all of the Doubting Thomas’, Foles played very well as a rookie in training camp, he then played very well as a rookie despite the fact that his team had essentially quit and the rest was hurt. Then last year, when he started-he re wrote NFL record books. Looking at all of this and remembering how he has flashed each and every time he was given the chance to play, one has to feel better for this season. The kid is legit.

jon

how do you watch replays of the eagles games?

Addicted2MAmula

I bought NFL Game Rewind

Tom W

Great job as usual.

NickS1

I was fine with the whole “Nick threw two picks in practice” thing, until I read that it was Marsh and Meco. Meco I guess I can let slide, but I really want to see the pick that Marsh got. I mean, it’s Curtis Marsh. How does that happen?

Ark87

It’s a ton of reps, these things happen.

NickS1

Oh I know, certainly wasn’t serious….except with the whole Curtis Marsh thing. That guy is a bum. I’ll feel better when he picks off the other 3 QBs haha.

jpate

It’s ok he just met his INT quota for the season.

NickS1

Then I’ll take it.

Joe from Easton

I’m a Foles fanboy and the amount of reps / it’s practice are certainly considered, but damn! Curtis Marsh!?

NickS1

Haha exactly! Marsh is a BUM! How’d he let that happen? I guess Nick was feeling charitable today.

anon

just trying to make sure all his guys get roster spots

JosephR2225

I’m guessing Marsh was so far out of position that he accidentally wound up covering a different receiver.

NickS1

Now it all makes sense

knighn

Foles also forgot Marsh was on the team.

cliff henny

hope every team doubles Cooper, then my only fear is Mac, the prophet and Shady’s hamstrings can hold up, cause they’ll be doing a lot of running

Brent E. Sulecki

some hard work going on out there. glad to see Jason’s legacy for work ethic and effort is showing up in the younger guys. great team vibe going on here for 2014. love it

OldDocRoss

Watching the RB drill I spent a good 30 seconds wondering where I’d heard that song before, then realised that:

A. It was from that “Cats puking to techno” video, and
B. I spend too much time on the internet.

Also, even in short snippets from OTAs Sproles looks hella shifty.

Nice to hear Cary and Wolff are staying back to spend time on the Juggs machine.

cliff henny

Smith is signed, about 8m. guess that’s all of them. no muss no fuss, do love this new cba

Rambler

Sheil, just how much money is Phillymag.com paying you? I certainly think you deserve every penny you earn. And that is great that you are interested in owning the Eagles. Just didn’t think that gig would be in your wheelhouse, and I am not sure I want to lose you as a reporter…

I do have a concern:Jeff McLane has reported in his practice review, “Matthews has easily been Sanchez’ favorite receiver. The quarterback will often run to his receiver after a big catch and give up a chest thump.” You stated, “they engage in the whole “jump in the air/bump butts” move on the sideline.” Which is the truth? This is the kind of inconsistency in the media that creates doubts of journalistic integrity for the readers.

Just An Average Joseph

Sconces

It’s one big conspiracy.

Giorgos Kassakos

Seeing the words “Sanchez” and “butt” in the same sentence makes me nervous.

Sconces

I know they don’t like subbing a lot, but vs non-fast-paced offenses I really hope Barwin is replaced by Smith about half the time in sub packages.

That would suck for Barwin though, who already doesn’t get to pass rush as much as he’d probably like.

Jerry Pomroy

Sheil, this is just classic!!!…

“Meanwhile, the sun comes out, and several reporters scurry for cover. This is where it comes in handy being the Indian guy who doesn’t burn easily. I’m looking for every advantage I can get.”

Tell ‘em to man up & toss on some SPF50.

EaglefaninAZ

“If you’re wondering about the second-team OL during this drill, here it is from left to right: Matt Tobin, Allen Barbre, Julian Vandervelde, Michael Bamiro and Dennis Kelly”.
I can live with that.

Phyxius

One thing I learned from yesterdays OTA’s – You piss off Foles, he’s throwing a TD.

The R

Sheil Is it possible that gj gets to earn a spot every practice it seems that gj looking better and better from all the notes that various people post on the Web gj passes are looking better than both Sanchez and barkley

Bird of Prey

“Meanwhile, the sun comes out, and several reporters scurry for cover. This is where it comes in handy being the Indian guy who doesn’t burn easily. I’m looking for every advantage I can get.”

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